Designing a Think Tank Model Based on a Comparative Analysis of the Structure and Function of Selected Think Tanks in the World (Case Study: A Military Organization)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Faculty and Research Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Sciences, Imam Hossein University, Tehran

2 Faculty of Management and Strategic Planning, Imam Hussein University, Tehran

3 Faculty of Aerospace, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran

Abstract

The increasing specialization of knowledge and the complexity of the security and defense environment have confronted military organizations with new challenges in the field of decision-making and policy-making. In these circumstances, the need for intermediary structures that are able to establish an effective link between specialized knowledge and decision-making power and present innovative and strategic ideas to military managers and commanders is more than ever tangible. Think tanks, through their key role in generating ideas, training specialized human resources, and playing a consulting role in designing security and defense policies, have today become vital players in promoting soft power and making macro-military decision-making processes smarter. The present study was developed with the aim of presenting a local and efficient model for promoting think tanks affiliated with military organizations. Through a qualitative and comparative approach, through a comparative analysis of the structure and function of selected national and international think tanks, document review, qualitative content analysis, and semi-structured interviews with managers and experts of 12 think tanks, numerous field and documentary data were collected and examined using the method of content analysis and validation of the findings. The results indicate that the transition of think tanks affiliated with military organizations from insular activities to interdisciplinary network structures, strengthening feedback mechanisms, collective learning, utilizing new technologies, and continuous investment in promoting specialized human capital can pave the way for improving effectiveness in defense policymaking.

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History

  • Receive Date: 29 July 2025
  • Revise Date: 06 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 21 October 2025

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